Characterization of unconventional sand-based substrates for adsorption of micropollutants in nature-based systems

in Journal of Environmental Management (2022)

The focus of this study is the characterization of unconventional sand-based substrates used in our previous project EmiSûre, (Interreg Greater Region (German federal states Rhineland-Palatinate and ... [more ▼]

The focus of this study is the characterization of unconventional sand-based substrates used in our previous project EmiSûre, (Interreg Greater Region (German federal states Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, regions Wallonia and Lorraine from Belgium and France, respectively), 2017–2021). The project aimed to develop and test alternative, nature-based technologies for the elimination of micropollutants (MPs) from municipal wastewater. For the characterization, two approaches were chosen. In the first approach, adsorption kinetics with a single compound allowed a perception of the adsorption capacity of the studied substrates compared to conventional substrates (granular activated carbons). This knowledge was completed by the second approach: an implementation of the studied substrates in packed-bed columns, which treated a mixture of 27 MPs in tap water for 10 months. Additionally, all three substrates (bentonite sand, sand with 15% activated biochar and sand with 15% zeolite) were characterized for physical and chemical properties, and the microbial potential of the activated and non-activated biochar was examined. From the studies, it is clear that the sand with an admixture of activated biochar is the most efficient sorbent in terms of single compound adsorption in batch (dye) and adsorption of 27 MPs on packed-bed columns. In contrast to the two other substrates, it shows long-term stable removal efficiencies. In the packed-bed columns, 18 out of 27 compounds were removed on average with high efficiency (80–99%), which is impressive, if we consider the variety of the compounds examined (pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and their removal in conventional treatments. Addi- tionally, adsorption models were created for the experimental data of all compounds adsorbed on the substrate with an admixture of activated biochar resulting in the best fit with the combined Langmuir-Freundlich model. These satisfying results suggest the application of the sand-based substrate with an admixture of activated biochar for further research and possibly upscale installations with the aim to offer and prove a reasonable and efficient alternative for MPs elimination from municipal wastewater. [less ▲]

Feasibility of Advanced Oxidation Processes as an upgrade for Microcontaminants removal at municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

Scientific Conference (2022, June)

Benzotriazole, carbamazepine, clarithromycin and diclofenac have been identified as microcontaminants of concern in Luxembourgish wastewaters, thus the implementation of photo-Fenton processes at natural ... [more ▼]

Benzotriazole, carbamazepine, clarithromycin and diclofenac have been identified as microcontaminants of concern in Luxembourgish wastewaters, thus the implementation of photo-Fenton processes at natural pH has been proposed for their removal. In the present work, the effectiveness of a pilot scale photo-Fenton system (500W Medium Pressure) has been evaluated according to the reagent dosage and toxicity of the treated effluent. With this treatment, 80% degradation is achieved in 15 minutes even with 5 and 3 mg/L of iron (40 mg/L H2O2), but 5 mg/L can have a negative effect on the growth of Sorghum saccharatum in Phytotoxicity tests. In comparison UV-C/H2O2 (40W Low Pressure; 40 mg/L H2O2) process needs longer treatment time and generates degradation by-products causing a growth inhibition of Sorghum saccharatum. The combination of both lamps can lead to a better performance of the reagents allowing to reach the 80% target in less time and to reduce the dosage. [less ▲]

Behaviour of 27 selected emerging contaminants in vertical flow constructed wetlands as post-treatment for municipal wastewater

in Science of the Total Environment (2022)

Removal of 27 micropollutants by selected wetland macrophytes in hydroponic conditions

in Chemosphere (2021)

Eliminace mikropolutantů z odpadních vod – užití kořenových čistíren jako technologie pro čištění odtoku z čistírny odpadních vod

in „Mladá voda břehy mele 2020“ Sborník konference (2020, September 09)

Removal of micropollutants in medium-sized WWTP by vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs): performance under laboratory and real conditions

in Removal of micropollutants in medium-sized WWTP by vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs): performance under laboratory and real conditions (2020, February 14)

Micropollutants generated in urban agglomerates are commonly found in aquatic environments where they may present a potential danger. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an attractive alternative for the ... [more ▼]

Micropollutants generated in urban agglomerates are commonly found in aquatic environments where they may present a potential danger. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an attractive alternative for the removal of those compounds from the effluent of medium-sized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To this end, the INTERREG Greater Region-funded project EmiSûre aims to find solutions to mitigate the emission of micropollutants from wastewater facilities. As a part of the project, this study starts with the trial of vertical flow (VF) CWs under lab-scale conditions aiming to select the best substrate. Following steps are designed to optimize the performance of VFCWs in terms of removal of micropollutans under real conditions (i.e. matrix, seasonal changes, temperature) and to derive first approaches for dimensioning. From all the examined substrates, activated biocoal showed the best results in removing macro- and micropollutants and is expected to be the most suitable substrate in long term perspectives. [less ▲]

Impact of operation mode for biochar and zeolite-based planted vertical flow wetlands: how to enhance the removal of 27 micropollutants in medium-sized WWTP

in Book of abstracts Micropol 2019 (2019, August 21)

Assessment of the production of biodiesel from urban wastewater-derived lipids

Scientific Conference (2019)

By adopting a Circular Economy Package in 2015, European Commission aimed at stimulating transition towards a stronger and more circular economy where waste (including sewage) is no longer recognized as ... [more ▼]

By adopting a Circular Economy Package in 2015, European Commission aimed at stimulating transition towards a stronger and more circular economy where waste (including sewage) is no longer recognized as waste, but as a valuable resource of raw materials. This review study assesses the existing methodologies to produce biodiesel from wastewater-derived lipids. Depending on the stage of wastewater treatment where biodiesel would be extracted, it may cover up to 20% of the current European biodiesel demand. Further studies in regards to the biodiesel quality, legislative conditions and techno-economic assessment towards respective transition are needed. [less ▲]

Emisure - nature oriented systems for removal of micropollutants from wastewater

Scientific Conference (2018, March 13)

Selection criteria of Microthrix parvicella as lipid accumulator in activated sludge treatment plants

Poster (2017)